Almasar Alshamil Education outlines vision for the future of learning at Education Investment MENA 2026

Almasar Alshamil Education has outlined its vision for the future of learning at Education Investment MENA 2026 in Dubai, emphasising the need for long-term investment and collaboration between educational institutions, technology companies and entrepreneurs.

Majed Al Mutairi, Chief Executive Officer of Almasar Alshamil Education, joined regional education leaders at the three-day event to discuss how partnerships across the sector can expand access to high-quality education and respond to changing learner and workforce needs.

The Group operates across specialised education and care through Human Development Company (HDC) in Saudi Arabia, and higher education through Middlesex University Dubai and NEMA Holding, which operates Abu Dhabi University and Liwa University in the UAE.

Almasar reports 21% growth in students and revenue

The company's participation comes amid continued growth across its regional education portfolio. According to its third-quarter 2026 financial results, the Group recorded a 21% year-on-year increase in students and beneficiaries to 28,900 during the 2025/26 academic year. Revenue also rose 21% to SAR 405.5 million.

Enrolment growth was reported across its education businesses, with Middlesex University Dubai recording 7,200 students, up 16% year-on-year. HDC reported 7,700 students and beneficiaries, an increase of 19%, while NEMA Holding recorded 14,000, up 24%.

HDC's Special Needs Education and Care (SEC) daycare network also expanded to 50 centres, compared with 39 in the previous year.

The figures reflect continued demand for specialised and higher education services in Saudi Arabia and the UAE.

Collaboration and technology shaping education

Held alongside GESS Dubai at the Dubai World Trade Centre, Education Investment MENA brings together education operators, investors, entrepreneurs, policymakers and regulators from across the region.

The 2026 programme explored investment opportunities across the education lifecycle, from early years to lifelong learning, with digital transformation and cross-border investment among its key themes.

Discussions examined how established education providers, technology companies and emerging education businesses can work together as the sector evolves.

Al Mutairi said the future of learning would not be shaped by a single type of organisation, but by combining the strengths of different participants.

He noted that technology companies can improve access, personalisation and efficiency, while established educational institutions contribute academic expertise, quality assurance and trust. Entrepreneurs, meanwhile, can challenge traditional models and accelerate innovation.

He added that the strongest education systems would bring these capabilities together while keeping learners' needs at the centre of decision-making.

AI must support educational outcomes and accountability

Al Mutairi also highlighted the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) and emerging technologies to improve student experiences through greater personalisation and early identification of learners who may need additional support.

He said technology could assist with assessment and quality assurance, but responsibility for maintaining academic standards must remain with people. He emphasised that innovation should ultimately be measured by its impact on learning outcomes.

The discussions also considered where investment should be directed as education systems respond to economic diversification, changing workforce requirements and growing demand for quality education.

For Almasar Education, this includes opportunities across specialised education and care, higher education and complementary education segments.

Al Mutairi said education investment requires a long-term approach focused on genuine demand, educational quality, relevance and accessibility. He added that providers must help learners develop practical knowledge and adaptability as regional economies diversify.

Group evaluates further regional expansion

Almasar Education continues to expand its presence in Saudi Arabia and the UAE, building on its positions in specialised education and care and higher education. The Group is also evaluating opportunities for organic growth, strategic partnerships and expansion into complementary education segments.

Concluding his remarks, Al Mutairi described Education Investment MENA as an important platform for educators, investors, innovators and policymakers to exchange ideas on the sector's development.

He said collaboration among these stakeholders would be essential to building education systems that are more inclusive, innovative and responsive to the needs of learners and regional economies.